Footprint calculations for electrification projects: A lifecycle approach

Electrification is increasingly promoted as a key strategy for reducing carbon emissions across the global economy. From industrial processes, to heating systems and transport, the shift away from fossil fuels is accelerating. However, electrification is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Other low-carbon technologies (such as hydrogen, biofuels, and nuclear) also play critical roles in creating a resilient, sustainable energy future.

To make informed decisions about which technologies to adopt, their environmental impacts must be evaluated quantitatively. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a widely used method for quantifying the environmental footprint of a product or system over its entire life cycle. When supported by robust data, LCA can calculate the impacts of electrification and in doing so it can also highlight potential environmental trade-offs for carbon reduction technologies e.g. increased resource use, ecotoxicity, etc. LCA can also be used to calculate the Energy Payback Time (EPBT) of electrification efforts.

Electrification involves replacing fossil-fuel technologies with electric alternatives across four major sectors:

• Industry: Electric boilers, heat pumps, kilns, and arc furnaces are replacing combustion systems. Their sustainability depends heavily on whether they are powered by green or grey electricity.
• Buildings: Heating, cooling, and hot water systems are being electrified, often through heat pumps and rooftop solar. Smart controls and battery storage enhance efficiency and grid responsiveness.
• Energy systems: Modernising grids to handle decentralised renewable generation, smart technologies, and energy storage is essential for balancing supply and demand.
• Transport: The rise of electric vehicles (EVs), including Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEVs), is reducing oil dependency. Sustainable outcomes rely on both clean electricity and widespread charging infrastructure.

While electrification can offer significant carbon emission reductions, its benefits are not guaranteed. For example, powering EVs with coal-based electricity can result in emissions similar to those of petrol vehicles. Broad claims about electrification can be misleading without context.

Another consideration is EPBT, the amount of time it takes a renewable energy system to produce the same amount of (substituted primary) energy which was used in its own production, installation, and maintenance (invested primary energy).

LCA can be used to calculate the primary energy invested. Systems with long EPBTs may only become environmentally beneficial toward the end of their operational life. Context, such as energy source and use-case, must be factored into any electrification strategy.

Electrification is one pathway, but it is not always the most suitable. Other low-carbon options can offer better outcomes depending on the situation:

• Hydrogen, particularly green hydrogen, is suitable for sectors where direct electrification is difficult, like heavy industry and long-haul transport. It also offers faster refuelling than batteries.
• Biofuels are used in aviation and shipping, though their production raises land-use and sustainability concerns.
• Nuclear energy provides low operational emissions and grid reliability, but challenges include waste management and high embodied energy.

Energy storage is another essential component. Since renewable energy sources are variable, batteries are needed to maintain supply. However, battery types (such as lithium-ion, solid-state, or flow) differ in environmental impact and suitability. Tools like LCA allow for context-specific comparisons to determine the best fit.

Accurate LCAs depend on high-quality primary data from real-life operations. This ensures that environmental comparisons reflect actual performance, not theoretical estimates. When primary data is unavailable, for example in the case of emerging technologies, secondary data may be used temporarily. However, comparing new systems to established ones demands that the latter be represented using real, current data. Failing to do so can result in misleading conclusions and poor decision-making.

Electrification plays a central role in global decarbonisation efforts, but its effectiveness hinges on clean electricity, system integration, and complementary technologies. Tools like LCA provide the analytical foundation to assess these variables, ensuring that strategies are both evidence-based and impactful. A diversified approach backed by data is essential for developing robust and sustainable energy solutions.

If you’re exploring how footprint calculations can inform your electrification projects, Ecomatters can help. Contact us or schedule a call to speak with one of our experts.